ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Mason Joins K-Wings

Published on September 14, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL and affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announce they have completed a trade with the Gwinnett Gladiators for the rights of defenseman Jeff Mason. In return the Gladiators will receive cash considerations.

Following the trade for Mason, the K-Wings have agreed to terms with the defenseman for the upcoming 2009-10 season; per team policy, the terms of the contract will be undisclosed.

Entering his fifth season, Mason has spent all four previous years in the ECHL, including the past two in Gwinnett.

A proven leader, Mason was the Gladiators assistant captain during the 2007-08 season and was team captain last year, where he posted 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists).

Mason's 14 goals were second amongst ECHL defensemen and just one behind former K-Wing Greg Labenski (Dayton Bombers) for the league lead.

"We (K-Wings) have prided ourselves in bringing in players that are leaders and have strong character and he (Mason) fits that mold," said Wade Welsh, vice president/general manager.

Before playing in Gwinnett, Mason played his first two pro seasons in the ECHL with the Augusta Lynx and Long Beach Ice Dogs.

A four-year standout at Providence College (R.I.), Mason started his collegiate career at defense, but was moved to forward his junior season; however, he did return the Friars blue-line for his senior campaign.

Mason also played three years (1997-2001) of junior hockey in the Eastern Junior Hockey League with the New England Coyotes. In 2001, Mason earned the league's

Defenseman of the Year and was named to the EJHL first team.

A two-time EJHL all-star (1999-00 and 2000-01), Mason earned the Coyotes' MVP, Co-Defenseman of the Year and Sportsmanship awards in 2000-01 and was a member of Coyotes' EJHL 1999-2000 championship. In three seasons with the Coyotes, Mason recorded 96 points (33 goals, 63 assists) in 157 games.

The addition of Mason gives the K-Wings 15 players signed for the upcoming 2009-10 season, which will commence on the road Thursday, October 15th against the Reading Royals. Also signed for next season are forwards Rick Cleaver, Trent Daavettila, Andrew Fournier, Sam Ftorek, Erik Johnson, Bryan Jurynec, Anton Kharin, Darryl Lloyd and Sean O'Conner Also signed for this season are defensemen Devin Featherstone, Matt Krug, Jon Landry, Jeremy Swanson and goaltender Ryan Nie.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 24th versus Reading with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at Wings Stadium.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by October 1st.

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ECHL Stories from September 14, 2009


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